1
as in controllers
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system
the controls for the player are well marked
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2
as in hands
the ability to direct the course of something
after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control firefighters keeping control of the blaze
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3
as in operations
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something
control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas
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4
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
teachers are responsible for the students under their control
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1
as in regulates
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
you must learn to control your temper
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2
as in contains
to gain emotional or mental control of
he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks
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3
as in rules
to exercise authority or power over
circumstances often control the choices we make in life
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4
as in operates
to look after and make decisions about
during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable
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Cite this Entry
“Controls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controls. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.
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